LITTLEBOROUGH kept their unbeaten record, but only just, as they battled to a three-point win over second-placed Burnage at Rakewood.

It was almost a game too many for Boro who, having played three games in a week and with four first team regulars out through injury, survived a second-half fightback by the visitors in an enthralling top-of-the-table clash for the hundred plus crowd.

The home side, though, had an inspiring man-of-the-match in Kolbeck to guide them through. He was well supported by the outstanding Olly Lord who played with 24 stitches in his mouth

Boro started brightly, camping in the visitors half for long periods. They opened the scoring when good work by Collins and Fraternalli saw the ball come loose at the base of a ruck. Fino was the first to react to put the ball down over the line.

The home side worked the ball wide at every opportunity with the Burnage backs unable to deal with Boro's speedsters.

From a scrum a great ball from Diggle found Kolinisau who hit the gas, sped past his winger and sent the supporting Diggle over for a try.

Seconds later Boro were back in the visitors 22 and Komia showed his pace and skill as he dummied and accelerated through a gap to score between the posts.

Burnage converted two penalties and added a try when a long pass found the visiting winger who dived over in the corner.

Back came Boro with flying winger Kolinisau rounding his winger and galloping 50 metres for a breathtaking try. John Maxey then tore through the heart of the Burnage defence to go over the whitewash and give the home side a 24-11 interval lead.

The second half became a completely different story, with Burnage's illegal tactics of 'truck and trailing' not picked up by the referee as they made headways down the pitch.

Burnage had found a weakness in Boro's armoury, almost mauling them into submission and scoring two unanswered tries and a penalty to level it.

Boro's front eight worked tirelessly to try and prevent any more tries as they found themselves on the back foot for the first time this season.

Locked at 24-24, with five minutes remaining, Kolinisau put in a deep kick and was taken out as he gave chase. Blackburn held his nerve to bang over the kick.

With seconds left Burnage were camped on Boro's line and twice players crossed only to be judged held up by the referee. The final whistle blew and Boro were out of jail.

Relieved Boro coach Lee Durrant said: "I've witnessed some close games in the past but that was too close for comfort.

"I think last week's games took their toll, and without Forden, Bairstow and Howard in the pack we looked ordinary at times.

"At the end of the day we got the job done and the two points are in the bag."

LITTLEBOROUGH have signed Fijian Zoro Lepani who played a few games for Mayfield and Hornets last year.

Ross Michelle, from Preston Grasshoppers, and Ben Bates have returned to the club.